India to consider Saudi King’s offer to renovate Masjid
India to consider Saudi King’s offer to renovate Masjid
India said on Wednesday it would study an offer by Saudi King Abdullah to fund the renovation of India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid after reports that the intelligence agencies felt the proposal posed a security threat.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said security concerns would naturally be looked at as the Government considered the offer. He did not elaborate. “It will be examined in consultation with the authorities concerned and all relevant agencies,” said Sarna.
A controversy arose when Saudi monarch King Abdullah offered to renovate the country’s largest mosque. On being contacted directly by a Saudi emissary, Jama Masjid Imam Ahmed Bukhari asked the emissary to route the query through the Government. “There was no point in direct talks as funds can’t be given directly to anyone associated with the Masjid. Only the Archaeological Survey of India is allowed to carry out repairs on monuments,” said Bhukhari.
When the issue reached the Government, the intelligence agencies reportedly raised some security concerns about the project. The security agencies were also uncomfortable with the flow of funds from Riyadh. Apart from the Masjid plans, Saudi had also offered to fund education in India.
More: newindpress.com